Janet Jackson received the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award at the BET Awards. Watch the video and see Jason Derulo, Ciara and Tinashe deliver a powerful tribute in song and dance to the legendary artist, performing some of her greatest hits, including ‘Rhythm Nation. In turn, she gave a humble, and emotional acceptance speech.

At the 15th annual BET Awards, the 49-year-old Janet Jackson was honored with the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award an award truly fitting for the influential music artist who throughout her career has melded music and dance and powerful visuals in her performances.

And, in tribute to her continuing legacy, Jason Derulo, Ciara and Tinashe performed some of her signature hits. It was Tinashe who kicked off the amazing medley, performing a beautifully choreographed dance routine to Jackson’s 1980s hit ‘The Pleasure Principle.’

Jason Derulo was next to take to the stage performing Jackson’s 2001 hit ‘All for You.’ And capping off the tribute Ciara took to the stage and did an impressive recreation of Jackson’s iconic ‘If’ dance routine and led into her signature ‘Rhythm Nation.’

After the crowd-pleasing performance, Janet Jackson herself took to the stage — as her brand new single, ‘No Sleep’ was playing in the background — to accept the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award. It was a rare public appearance who was stunningly beautiful in all-white, with long flowing, crimped honey-brown hair. As she held the large, skyscraper-like award, she noted how heavy it was, and then delivered an emotional acceptance speech.

She began, saying, “It’s been a very long journey to this moment.” Pausing, for a moment, she went on to say, “My heart is so full. Thank you, God, for making everything, anything possible. I’m so grateful for the support You have always given me.”

She singled out her parents, Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson, and thanked them, as the camera panned them, sitting side by side. She went on to thank her husband, Qatari moguel Wissam Al Mana whom she married in 2012.

Continuing, she said, “Twenty-five years ago we created ‘Rhythm Nation,’ hoping the world would be a better place but today there is even more to be done.”

She went on to thank her fans, and said, “I’ve missed you so much, and I love you so much.”

And indeed, the wait is nearly over as Janet Jackson recently announced her ‘Unbreakable World Tour’ and debuted the aforementioned ‘No Sleep’ single, her first new music in several years.

Not surprisingly, this Janet Jackson BET Awards tribute video has has gone viral, and you can watch it in its entirety below!

Pictures: PR Photos

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